“1nce Again” was the group’s first endeavor to cross over into the mainstream R&B market without selling out their traditional sound. With the group’s chemistry being off during the album’s recording sessions, along with the pressures of fame, Q-Tip and Phife-Dawg brought back the feeling of the group’s earlier days by incorporating lines from their hit “Check The Rhime”. The song was a juxtaposition between the group’s traditional sound and the new sound they sought to achieve on the album.

The hook featured stunning vocals from R&B singer Tammy Lucas with a sound that was suitable for mid-90’s hit radio. The verses still retained the traditional Tribe sound with it’s jazzy bassline and hard-hitting drum beat.

“1nce Again” was the first single from the album Beats, Rhymes and Life and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997.